Only You Can Label Yourself.

I received a text from my good friend asking if I would ever consider a guest blogger. 

My answer??  Uh, YES!!!!! 

So here is Kayla, and she has something that she needs to talk to you about.  So, listen up - she's pretty great. 

This topic will be part one of a two part series.  Read on, and stay tuned.

ONLY YOU CAN LABEL YOURSELF

We live in a society that likes to put names on things. Labels. Some labels are good, some can be hurtful, but all tend to limit us. When we let people pigeon hole us with what they think we are, we can go down a very dark trail.

 

 

I started running five years ago as a way to handle the stress of a tough work situation and my every day anxiety. All was well until I went to my first race. Apparently that made me a runner. I was excited about running, talked about it all the time. Non-runners think all runners complete marathons, so it wasn’t long until I was being asked when I was going to run a marathon. I’d been impressed with my 5K finish, but apparently I wasn’t really a runner if I wasn’t signing up for longer distances. Right there. That’s when I stepped onto that dark path.

 

 

Obsession over training for a half-marathon took over. I loosely followed training plans, but I’m not patient by nature, so I figured I could rearrange them to suit my running style. I could get quicker results my way. The only results I got were injury after injury. Academically, I’m a quick study, but when it comes to life, I am s-l-o-w. This cycle of training and injury (to both my body and my mind) went on for years. There were times I would decided to stop running altogether. It was making me crazy. A couple of weeks would pass and my anxiety would start to build. I needed the release that came with running.

 

 

Finally I injured my back to the point where I could barely get off the couch for months. This was not good for me. I gained weight, and my anxiety was through the roof. So, when I was back on my feet, naturally I overdid it and hurt my ankle, BUT this was the turning point. I almost lost it when I realized I was about to lose running again. I took a step back and realized I was a runner no matter what distances I covered. I was runner if I chose not to race. I was a runner because I liked to run, needed it for therapy. In that moment, I truly became a runner because I had labeled myself.

 

 

Since then I have discovered that I have to use walk/run intervals to stay injury free. I waffled for a moment about whether or not that made me less of a runner, but then remembered I get to choose who I am. I am a runner, and no one can take that away from me but myself.

Fat Sunday.

Well,  after months and months of horrible eating and watching it effect my running, I have made a change this week.

For six days this week - I ate clean, and I mean CLEAN!!  No candy, no sugar, no packaged foods - nada.  All of my foods were identifiable by what they were, not the package they came in.  (not sure if that sentence made sense).  No preservatives, no gluten, no fillers, no artificial nothing.

Here is what I learned this week.  I am not sold that I feel SO much better when I eat clean.  I felt pretty normal. I was never starving, but I did long for certain foods.  I had a very detailed plan, and that was very helpful - if the food wasn't on the plan, it didn't head into my mouth.  I did notice that my teeth remained cleaner - longer (a weird observation, I know).

At last Saturday's Half Marathon (the Lululemon Half) I bought several items.  I decided that after 5 days of following my plan - BY THE BOOK - I could have ONE item.  Thus, hedging against my nature to just eat ONE piece of candy.  I was conducting an experiment people!!!

and then comes Sunday, or FAT SUNDAY, which it's now known by at my house.  Today is a cheat DAY - eat whatever you want ALL day long.  I was never so happy to see today - and let me tell you, I have taken FULL advantage of this day.  I will not even begin to tell you everything on my list, but I will tell you that Sonic Bacon Cheese Dog is AMAZING!!!

Here is what I have observed.  The candy that I ate was much sweeter than I remember candy being, and I couldn't eat as much as I used to.  The pizza stick I ate was way greasier than I remember them being, and left an odd film around my mouth.  Also, after I ate the food that shall not be named I became really really really tired.  I do believe that, much to my husbands dismay, I felt the need to sit down in the aisle at Home Depot.  He turned around, "Do you mean to tell me you can run for four hours straight, but cannot find the energy to walk around this store??"  I reminded him that it was now under four hours, and that if they had water stations and/or fuel stations it might make this jaunt easier.  He was so not impressed.

I suppose that what I learned today is that maybe I shouldn't go ALL IN on cheat day if there is actual "stuff" I need to be doing, other than napping.  And that maybe it's not that eating clean makes one feel so fantastic, but that eating really really poorly makes you feel really really tired.  I cannot wait to see how well I can run when I am fueling with real food - knowing what I know now (after only seven days) I should be making huge gains in the next couple months. (as soon as I shake off this calf pain).

I am pretty ready to get back to my detailed eating guide tomorrow, but first PIZZA!!!! 

Who doesn't love new Running Gear?!?

Running gear - one of my favorite topics EVER!!! 

I was recently asked to be a brand ambassador for Swirl Gear, and I thought SURE!  Before jumping in with both feet (as I often like to do) I thought I would purchase a "test" top - you know, to make sure I really really liked it.

So, here it is (drum roll please) - the top:

Cute, right?!?!  Let me be up front and honest with you (that's how I roll).  I am a Lulu girl - 90% of my running clothes are from Lulu (my socks are Injinji, shoes Newtons, and I do have some Nike Tempo shorts).  Getting me to switch from Lulu wasn't going to be easy - but I wanted to give it a fair shake.

WOW! wowowowowowowowowowowowowowowowowow!  This stuff is brilliant!!  I had a 9.5 mile run today - this run included a 8:00 minute mile ladder.  It is hot here, and I was sweating like a man.  Can you tell from that picture?  Because I took the shirt right off and snapped this. 

AND - there are these tiny breathable holes all over, so it vents amazingly well.  So, not only does it wick like a champ, it hides the sweat, and airs you out ... what's not to love??  Oh, and I should mention - it is awesomely cute.  The cut is perfect - snug where you want it, loose where you want it.  I mean you could wear this to drink your morning coffee: 

Or, when you need a snazzy shirt for a new selfie:

I know that I have a wish list of products started!  I can't wait to get more.  Want to check it out for yourself??  Head to https://www.swirlgear.com/ and check it out.  If you find something you like, here's my gift to you, FREE SHIPPING.  Just use code 984 when you check out.

Swirl on my friends.

Hugs and High Fives.

Shubeez and Race Entry Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

WWP and SLR Virtual 10K and 1/2 Marathon T-Shirt Vote

Good Morning Friends:

Here are the designs that I received for the t-shirt contest.  Take a look here, notice their labeled name, head back over to SLR and "like" the comment with the labeled name of your favorite shirt.  Okay - here we go!! (It should be noted that I am working with the WWP to use their actual logo.  If we cannot use it - then we will use something similar)

Title: Eggs Running


Title: Victory Lady








Title: Victory Lady



 



Front of shirt

                                                                         







Back of shirt

Title: Hearts and Soldiers


 

Title: RW&B Soldiers

 

Alright folks, you have 24 hours to vote!  Here we go!!  I have a clear favorite - do you???



 

 

 

As the Mind Wanders.

I had a long run this weekend, and I noticed that while I ran I had the most interesting, bizarre thoughts.  So, of course I want to share them with YOU.

I cannot be held responsible for what pops into my head after mile 13.  You've been warned.

Mile One:  ... and we're running - WE ARE RUNNING!!!!!  Whooo hoo this feels great!  run.run.run.lalalalalalalala!!

Mile Two:  Do I have a rock in my shoe?  Are my laces too tight?  Hmmmm.  That's a new squeek I haven't heard before.

Mile Three:  GATORADE!!!  I wonder how they come up with their flavors ..  what is a blue raspberry anyhow??

Mile Four:  I wonder if this ear warmer head band is going to give me a weird tan line across my forehead.  Must remember to take this off...

Mile Five:  Is someone smoking pot around here??  Maybe it's the dandelions - do dandelions smell like pot??  I guess I don't know.

Mile Six:  DONT STEP ON THE CATERPILL.... oh, nope, just a weird leaf thing.  Phew...

Mile Seven:  Is that a dead frog??  Here, let me - ugh, yup dead frog!!

Mile Eight:  Re-fueling station in progress.  I wonder how much water I can drink before I get that sloshy belly noise?  Ah, better not push it.  Push it??  I wonder if I have Salt N Peppa on my iPod.

Mile Nine:  Heyprettyladyinthesecondrow - she's an 8, she's a 9, she's a 10 I know... where the heck did that come from???  Beyonce... must. find. Beyonce.

Mile Ten:  Hey!!!  It's high water pants guy!!  Let's smile and wave - oh, god, my lips - I have cracked my lips - I must certainly be gushing blood. OUCH!!!  *touches face - looks at hand*  no blood. 

Mile Eleven: It's a KITTY!!!  Oooh, scary kitty - did it even have eyes??  Wait, maybe it was a blind kitty.  Why would someone let their blind kitty outside - that's just mean.  Poor little blind scary no eyed kitty.

Mile Twelve:  ARE WE THERE YET!!!  Nope, only four miles left - is that horse dead??  It's just laying down in the sun??  Do horses sun themselves?  Hmmmm, hope you're not dead big fella.

Mile Thirteen:  Well, now I am halfway there.  HALFWAY THERE!!  Who signs up to do this stupid running nonsense - I mean really, 26.2 miles - that's just a bit much right... I mean it sounded like such a great idea in October, and I really like those medals...  yeah, it's not so bad after all.

Mile Fourteen:  Puttin' on my big girl pants, puttin' on my big girl pants, puttin' on my big girl pants...

Mile Fifteen:  I'm on my WAAAAAAAAYYYYY home.sweet.home!!!!  I think I really need to make t-shirts for my long training runs.  "Who's Got Two Thumbs and Has Just Run 15 Miles - This GIRL" - I'm hungry... Is Arby's REALLY that bad for you??  Wonder what is in the "cheese" sauce anyway...

Mile Sixteen:  Heeeeeeeey - the horse is gone.  Yay, not dead horse!!! Well, unless he was moved by a forklift and he is now in horsey heaven.  Nevermind.

Mile Seventeen:  Did that goat just say "hello"??  I am pretty sure he just said "hello".  (out loud)  HELLO GOAT!! 

Thank You, Thank You Very Much!! My Winning/Presentation of the Liebster Award!!

When I got the notice that ArmsWideOpen had presented me with the Liebster Award - I was thrilled!!  I may have squeeked a little, fist pumped, and hollered "that's what I'm talking about!!"

As Patsy most eloquently states:  "Liebster" is German for "dearest" and it's a blogger to blogger award for those having 200 or fewer followers, so they can get more exposure." And since I love for people to read my blogs, and have fun - YES!!  I am accepting.  (all the while amazed that folks enjoy my rants, ramblings, and serious chats).


... And now for the rules that I have been given.
 
1. Thank your Liebster Blog Award presenter on your blog. - check
2, Link back to the blogger who presented the award to you. - check
3. Copy and paste the award on your blog. - yup yup, done
4. Present the Liebster Blog Award to 11 blogs of 200 followers or less, who you feel deserve to be noticed, and leave a comment on their blog letting them know they have been nominated. - just about done
5. Answer the 11 questions the blogger presented you with, create 11 questions for the blogs you are nominating, and list 11 facts about yourself. - little bossy don't ya think??

Phew - this was lot of work, but nothing worth having comes easy, so I gratefully accept this challenge!!

Patsy came up with some interesting questions.  You know what they say - if you are crazy enough to ask, I'm crazy enough to totally take your questions and Andrea-fy it.  (okay nobody says that,but you get my drift!!)


Questions From My Nominator:
 
1. Why did you start your blog?  I started writing to get down all the random thoughts in my head (and yes, there are many of them).  I used to write a column in my high school newspaper, and I loved it.  Plus, blog writing is totally cheaper than therapy.  Wait, did I just write that down...

2. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?  Oh gosh, 10 YEARS?!?!  You do realize that I have horrible vision, and need serious glasses/contacts.  I can't even really see down the road - let alone 10 years into the future!

3. Would you support me in my endeavor to be Queen of our country?  All women are Queens in the figurative sense, and we should celebrate each other as such.  However, if you are asking me to support you actually fighting people to turn 'Merica in to a Monarchy... well, you're on your own sister.

4. What is your dream that you're afraid to talk about but secretly think about all the time?  Boston. 

5. Of course, because I love to read, what's your favorite book? The Great Gatsby (le sigh), and most recently, The Fault in Our Stars.

6. If you had total control of the world, what are 3 things that you would do immediately, aside from crowning me Queen?  THAT is a lot of control - So, first - DELEGATE.  second - DELEGATE.  and third - provide cupcakes for everyone.

7. What is one goal that you achieved that you are most proud of (not counting family)?  Finishing a marathon was pretty amazing.  

8. What are you working hardest at right now? Enjoying every moment, and every opportunity that comes my way.

9. What is the most hilarious thing that has ever happened to you?  Being me is very hard work - the MOST random things always happen to me.  I am always in the wrong place - right time.  The time the TSA Agent accused me of being Katy Perry, and not giving him an autograph or having my photo taken with him was pretty amusing.

10. Finish this sentence: In 2013, I will _____________________. be the best me I can be!!

11. They're making a movie about your life. Who would  you choose to play your part?  Zooey Daschanel.  If she's not available - I guess Katy Perry would do.








 
11 Fascinating Facts About Me

1. Before 2010, running was the worst type of punishment ever bestowed on mankind.  Now, it is my most favorite thing ever.

2.  I have four plates, and seventeen screws... in my face.

3.  My elbows are double jointed (and they always get me in trouble in fitness classes).

4.  If competitive eating lasted all day long - I am pretty sure I could take home the top prize.

5.  I have a super human sense of smell that often time scares my husband.  I can tell if he has been sneaking treats, or if one of the animals has gotten into something, or if there is a fire within a 25 mile radius.

6.  I am a coffee junkee.  I also drink my coffee black - which is crazy being as 4 years ago my standard Starbucks order was: 16 ounce iced raspberry white chocolate mocha, whipped cream, half the coffee.  It was pink, and fabulous, and pure sugar.  It's a slippery slope folks - so we just drink it black.

7.  I spoke at my college graduation.  Ooohhhhh, super fancy pants.

8.  I stay the same size no matter what I do.  I had to go on a liquid diet for 4 weeks (see fact 2) and nothing.  I couldn't even buy a smaller size of pants.  Couch Potato Andrea - same size.  Marathon Runner Andrea - same size.

9.  I have an uncanny knack for rapping. 

10.  It is my life long goal to learn how to play the air drums, and the air guitar.  Yes, you read that right.

11.  I don't know how to rest.  I have two speeds: on and off.  If I am not full speed ahead - I'm not mobile.  It makes movie watching difficult!!


Questions For My Nominees
 
1.  How did you come up with the name of your blog?

2.  Favorite Treat?
3.  The story behind the most favorite picture of yourself?
4.  Pet Peeve?
5.  Guilty Pleasure?
6.  Favorite song of all time, and why?
7.  If at the end of your life you'd die content knowing you did this _______ - what would it be?
8.  Favorite Quote?
9.  Do you collect anything?  If so, how'd the collection start?
10. Your Weakness?
11.  Your Strength?


And now to pay it forward!!  My nominees for the Liebster Award are:

One Tough Mother Runner
Stacey Runs and Eats




Fitness Bliss With Kris
Colene, In Training
Devon, In Training
Fattest Salmon
It Figures, Karly Goes National
Running on the Fly
Fitness By Fit Miss
RUNinspired
Kayla Dawn Writes

Now, go and check out their blogs.  Offer them congrats, and let them know Scrambled Legs sent you!!